Circular economy
In a circular economy, we reuse and recycle resources to minimise waste and environmental impact. Find out more about how it works, what we’re doing to make Islington a circular economy, and how to share your ideas.
What it is
Most of the time, products are made, used, then thrown away. This is known as the linear economy.
In a circular economy, we don’t throw products away. We maintain or refurbish the product or re-use the materials for something else. This means there is almost no waste.
For example:
- Designing products for multiple uses that are easy to repair and maintain.
- Saving materials at the end of their first use, and preparing them for successful second (or third, or fourth) uses.
- Helping people to share products and space, to avoid wasted resources.
Why it's important
Making Islington a circular economy is important because almost 45% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions come from the food, materials and products that we make, use and consume every day. If we can reduce the amount of food, materials and products we waste, we can reduce CO2 emissions.
A circular economy helps the planet by preserving biodiversity, cutting down on pollution and fighting climate change. At the same time, a circular economy helps the economy to grow.
This is why moving to a circular economy is an essential part of our commitment to a net zero carbon target by 2030.
Actions we're taking
We have published our first Circular Economy Action Plan, setting out how we aim to move Islington towards a more circular economy. You can view our Plan under 'useful documents' at the bottom of this page.
Islington is already moving towards being more circular:
- Our new draft Local Plan will require major developments to be more circular in design, allowing them to be used for longer and be refitted at the end of their life instead of just demolished.
- We lease our office printers instead of buying, so it’s in the provider’s interest to repair them and maximise their operating life and then take responsibility for recycling them when they’re eventually replaced.
- The plastic bottles collected in Islington are recycled into new plastic bottles in the UK, so they can be recycled again and again.
- We’ve launched a grant scheme for small businesses in Islington to develop circular economy practices.
- We run or support events where you can repair and upcycle your items throughout the year.
What you can do
There’s lots more the council, businesses and residents can do and we’d love to have your ideas. Please email us at circulareconomy@islington.gov.uk.
